Summary
The UK plans to increase the number of data centres by nearly 20% in response to the rising need for computing power driven by artificial intelligence. This expansion raises concerns about the high energy and water usage of these facilities, which could affect consumer costs. Key players in the expansion include US tech companies and investment firms, with many new centres set to open by 2030.
Key Facts
- The UK will increase its data centres by almost 100, rising from 477 to about 575.
- The expansion is driven by the growing demand for computing power due to AI.
- More than half of the new centres will be in London and nearby areas.
- Google and Microsoft are among the major companies involved in the construction.
- Concerns include increased energy bills and environmental impact from high energy and water use.
- A significant part of the new centres will be completed by 2030, with some projects extending beyond that date.
- A planned £10-billion AI data centre by Blackstone Group will be in Blyth, starting in 2031.
- The UK is currently the third-largest country for data centres, after the US and Germany.
